INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 190 member countries. Our role is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place. Our high-tech infrastructure of technical and operational support helps meet the growing challenges of fighting crime in the 21st century.

This is where you will find the latest news and multimedia from INTERPOL. Read our news stories and speeches; see the Organization in action through videos and photo galleries; and download our fact sheets, brochures and annual reports.

Our global police communications channels and internationally recognized alert systems allow police around the world to share data instantly and securely. A 24-hour contact point and specialized teams provide targeted support to serious crime or disaster incidents.

History

The idea of INTERPOL was born in 1914 at the first International Criminal Police Congress, held in Monaco. Officially created in 1923 as the International Criminal Police Commission, the Organization became known as INTERPOL in 1956.

1923

Creation of the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on the initiative of Dr Johannes Schober, president of the Vienna Police.

Wanted persons notices first published in INTERPOL’s International Public Safety Journal.

1926

The General Assembly, held in Berlin, proposes that each country establish a central point of contact within its police structure: the forerunner of the National Central Bureau (NCB).

1927

Resolution to establish NCBs adopted.

1930

Specialized departments established to deal with currency counterfeiting, criminal records and passport forgery.

1932

Following the death of Dr Schober, new statutes put in place creating the post of Secretary General. The first was Austrian Police Commissioner Oskar Dressler.

1935

The Organization's international radio network is launched, providing an independent telecommunications system solely for the use of the criminal police authorities at national level.

1938

The Nazis assume control after deposing of President Michael Skubl. Most countries stop participating and ICPC effectively ceases to exist as an international organization.

1942

ICPC falls completely under German control and is relocated to Berlin.

1946

Belgium leads the rebuilding of the organization after the end of World War II. A new headquarters set up in Paris, and ‘INTERPOL’ chosen as the organization’s telegraphic address. Democratic process to elect the President and Executive Committee instituted.

1949

The United Nations grants INTERPOL consultative status as a non-governmental organization.

1956

Following the adoption of a modernized constitution, the ICPC becomes the International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL, abbreviated to ICPO–INTERPOL or just INTERPOL. The Organization becomes autonomous by collecting dues from member countries and relying on investments as the main means of support.

1958

Contributions of member countries revised and financial regulations adopted.

1963

First regional conference held, in Monrovia, Liberia.

1965

The General Assembly sets out formal responsibilities and operating policies for NCBs.

1971

The United Nations recognizes INTERPOL as an intergovernmental organization.

1972

A Headquarters Agreement with France recognizes INTERPOL as an international organization.

1982

An independent body created to monitor the implementation of INTERPOL’s internal rules in relation to data protection. This will become the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files in 2003.

1989

INTERPOL moves its General Secretariat to Lyon, France.

1990

The X.400 communication system launched, enabling NCBs to send electronic messages to each other and to the General Secretariat directly.

1992

1995

As part of a programme of regionalization the General Assembly adopts guidelines for the establishment and operation of Regional Bureaus.

1998

INTERPOL Criminal Information System (ICIS) database created.

2002

The I-24/7 web-based communication system launched, significantly improving NCBs’ access to INTERPOL’s databases and services. Canada is the first country to connect to the system.

Database of stolen and lost travel documents launched.

2003

Official inauguration of the Command and Coordination Centre at the General Secretariat, enabling the organization to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2004

INTERPOL liaison office inaugurated at the United Nations in New York and first Special Representative appointed.

2005

First INTERPOL-United Nations Special Notices issued for individuals subject to UN sanctions against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Technology known as MIND/FIND allows frontline officers to connect directly to INTERPOL's systems.

2009

Official opening of the Office of the Special Representative to the European Union in Brussels.

2015

Official inauguration of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. It works to combat cybercrime and help police around the world address emerging threats through innovation and training.